FAITH'S FOUNDATIONS AUGUST 2017

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1 FAITH'S FOUNDATIONS AUGUST 2017 Working to spread the Gospel here and throughout the world US 45 S P.O. Box 436 Three Lakes, WI Parsonage: office2770@frontier.com MEMBERSHIP By Pastor Ken Ranos In this newsletter, you ll find a copy of a letter that is being sent to every single member listed on our membership roster. It s a letter that was written as part of the Faith Lutheran Church Council s constitutional duty to ensure that our formal membership roster is as up to date each year as it can be. Please, don t be afraid of this letter! It might be helpful if I explained what membership in a congregation isn t, and what it is. The concept has changed over the years. It used to be the case that a congregation often treated itself much like a private country club. You joined the club/congregation, and because you were a member, you were entitled to all of the services offered by the club/congregation. Only members could have their children baptized in a congregation. Only members could get married. Only members could have their children confirmed. Only members could have the best seats in their chosen pews. Only members could vote at the annual meeting. It was a very exclusive view of the church. Almost none of that is the case today. At Faith Lutheran Church, non-members are just as welcome as members. We worship together in a community of open invitation. The sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are open to all who seek them. It is a shame that the church at one time actively supported a country club model instead of an open-door model of welcoming and inclusion. So, why do congregations still have a membership roster? There is one big duty that is still exclusive to formal members of a congregation: voting. Every year, the congregation gathers in an Annual Meeting. This Annual Meeting of the entire congregation is the highest governing authority in the congregation. While the Congregation Council can make many decisions, the biggest, most important ones can only be made by the congregation through the Annual Meeting. Only 1

2 the congregation (not the council) can approve large expenses. Only the congregation (not the council) can extend a call to a pastor or terminate a pastor s call. Major decisions that affect the life of the congregation can only be made by the congregation. How does a congregation know who can vote as part of the Annual Meeting? What s to prevent someone from bringing in 300 people off the streets who support their view and overloading a vote? That s where the membership roster comes in. The membership roster is a list of people in a congregation who have fulfilled the basic requirements of membership: receiving Holy Communion or giving a financial contribution of record (something with your name on it) once a year. Members have the privilege of voting at the Annual Meeting and the responsibility of guiding the decisions of the congregation. Maintaining an up-to-date membership roster lets us know how many members we actually have, how many we need at a meeting for quorum, and who is able to vote on the major decisions of the congregation. That is the only reason we still maintain a membership roster, as required by our constitution. I cannot stress this enough: the purpose of this letter is NOT to clear the rolls. Rather, the purpose of this letter and the actions of the Congregation Council is to give us a congregation an important, accurate assessment of the congregation so that when we have our congregational meetings, we know if we re able to proceed or not. It s important for good order that we know. Everyone will also receive a mailed copy of this letter personally addressed to you. The letter again explains what membership is and how it is maintained, and invites everyone who is on our membership roster to continue the dedication to our faith community that has allowed it it thrive these last 36 years. And I want to again remind everyone and stress that, member or not, you are welcome here at Faith Lutheran Church. You are an important part of this community. This is not a country club or a members only clubhouse. This is a worshiping community, gathered to give praise to God and nourish our spirits. And the Holy Spirit shuts none out. The letter referenced in this article can be found in this newsletter, and will be mailed to every person listed on Faith Lutheran Church s membership roster. If a response is needed, or you have any questions, please contact Pastor Ken by Sunday, September 10. 2

3 WELCOME HOME JORDAN ALEXANDER RANOS! Born July 22, 9:52 am. 3

4 Both Debbie and Jordan are home and doing very well! 4

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS FACEBOOK It's true! Faith Lutheran Church now has a Facebook page. "Like" us at and watch the page for updates about what's happening in the life of our faith community. PICTURES FOR WEBSITE We are looking for pictures from different events this past year to put on our website: If you have any, we d love to put them up so those visiting our website will have a better idea of what we do here. Please them to: pastor2770@frontier.com. QUILTERS A huge thank you to the anonymous donor for the Generous donation for quilting supplies! It will be put to good use for supplies for layettes and quilting materials. The quilters meet every Wednesday at 12:30pm FELLOWSHIP During Fellowship a basket is usually on the table to collect donations from coffee drinkers for the purchase of the Fair Trade decaf coffee we use. Individuals or groups who host Fellowship do not have to provide coffee. Occasional contributions to the fund are encouraged. PRAYER SHAWLS To give comfort and peace. There is a tote of prayer shawls under the shelf when you walk in. If you know someone who is lonely and would use one, feel free to take one. Once wrapped around their shoulders it feels like a hug from Jesus and their friends. WALK FOR WATER On August 5 at 8:30 am, Faith Lutheran and Prince of Peace Lutheran Churches are teaming up again for a Walk for Water! We ll be walking the Three Eagle Trail (behind Associated Bank and Dairy Queen off Highway 70 and Railroad St in Eagle River), up to 4-miles. No sign-ups are required, just show up! Donations are being accepted, and all money raised will support Salem Lutheran Church of Flint, MI as they continue to aid the cities residents during their continuing water crisis. MEN'S FELLOWSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY All men are invited each Wednesday this summer to 7088 Nelson St. Fellowship activities are 6:30-7:30, and the Bible discussion runs 7:30-8:30. Need not attend each week, as each week is a separate topic. For more information contact Tom Bredesen at

6 IN HOME BIBLE STUDY A Woman s Heart: God s Dwelling Place Thursday Evenings / 8 June through August / 7:00 pm Bredesens Home / 7088 Nelson Street, Three Lakes A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place is a women's Bible study where we will explore the fascinating account of the building of the Old Testament tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design, and its pivotal role in God's eternal plan, the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ, and its variety of meanings for your walk with God today. Perhaps no Old Testament event so dramatically illustrates God's persistent desire to relate to His children as the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. Through the tabernacle God initiated a deeper relationship with His Chosen People by bringing reconciliation and revealing His glory. And certainly, no Old Testament event so richly prefigures the coming of the true Tabernacle, Jesus Christ. In this 10-week in-depth Bible study you will be encouraged to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory a dwelling place for the Most High God. We will meet Thursday evenings (7:00 pm) at the Bredesens home. The study involves your dedication to ½ hour five days each week of Bible readings and study questions. Our group 1 ½ hour sessions will be devoted to a MONTHLY OFFERING Year: 2017 Month: June Number of Sundays: 4 Average Attendance: 37.5 video, discussion of the questions, prayer, and fellowship. Pray about this opportunity and invite a friend to come. Miriam Bredesen at mkbrede@yahoo.com or sign up in the back of the church if you will be attending so Miriam can order enough study books. See you there! SAVE THE DATE September 16, Feed My Starving Children mobil packing site event in Weston, Wisconsin. Come and join us for this unique opportunity! It is something you won't soon forget! Consider participating in this exciting event packing specially formulated meals that are sent to areas in crisis around the world. All ages are invited and activities are tailored to all levels of mobility. Please talk to Pastor Ken or Faith members who have attended these events in the past, or go to for more information and to see pictures of the process and the day's events. A shift consists of 2 hours. With travel time and stopping for a meal, this would be a half day event. We would like to know who is interested in participating soon as online registration will open on August 11th. The volunteer slots are filled very quickly. Sign up sheet will be posted on the church back window. JUNE MONTH YTD Budget Income $ *** $ *** Expenses $ *** $ *** Net Income $ *** $ *** *not available at the time of printing 6

7 Dear Member: Grace and peace to you from the Congregation Council of Faith Lutheran Church! One of the duties of the Congregation Council is to provide for an annual review of the membership roster. Every person on our membership roster is receiving this letter as a part of that review, to explain what membership is and to invite you to continue to be a part of this congregation s life and ministry. What does it take to be a member of the congregation? According to our constitution: Confirmed or associate members who have received Holy Communion or made a contribution of record to the congregation within the preceding year shall be included on the membership roll of the congregation, along with all baptized members beneath confirmation age. Formal membership in the congregation is maintained by either receiving Holy Communion once a year or by giving any contribution to the congregation with your name attached once a year. That s it! If this already describes you, we want to thank for your continuing commitment to the life and ministry of this congregation. Without you, Faith Lutheran Church would not be able to live out our baptismal callings as people of faith gathered together, praising God and serving our community. If this doesn t describe you, or you re not sure, then we invite you to reconnect with the congregation. You are always welcome here! You are an important part of this community. We thank you for the ways you have contributed to the life and ministry of this community. And if you choose to again maintain formal membership in the congregation, we thank you for your renewed dedication to the life and mission of this community! But if you decide not to maintain formal membership in the congregation, you will still always be a friend to Faith Lutheran Church. You will always be welcome here! We thank you for the ways you have contributed to the life and ministry of this particular community. We pray that you would still remain a part of the worshiping community here at Faith. If you have any questions or concerns about the membership roster, or need to respond, please contact Pastor Ken by Sunday, September 10: The Reverend Ken Ranos, Pastor P.O. Box 436 Three Lakes, WI pastor2770@frontier.com May God bless you and keep you. May God s face shine on you and be gracious to you. May God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Sincerely, Larry Roth (Congregation Council President) 7

8 LAY SCHOOL FOR MISSION Sponsored by the Northern Great Lakes Synod Are you interested in: -Growing your faith? -Developing your spirituality? -Discerning your Baptismal Vocation? -Learning more about Prayer, the Bible, and the Church? The Lay School for Mission provides a unique educational opportunity for our lay people. Lay School classes are taught by pastors and qualified lay persons. There is no tuition for classes; the only cost is for books. Lay School graduates are equipped to engage in greater ministry within congregations. They acquire new ministry skills and increase their understanding of scripture and theology. Most of all, they deepen their faith and discipleship. All this happens as they gather on a regular basis with others, creating a caring community that learns and grows together. The next Lay School semester starts in September 22, The classes will be on: -Gospels -World Religions -Worship -Early Church History Classes are held on Thursdays from 9:00 am 3:00 pm at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church 8632 Highway 51 North Minocqua, WI If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Pastor Ken (who will be teaching the class on Early Church History!).

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12 IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS All those who struggle with illness, pain, loss of health in mind, body, and spirit including: Cole Bailey, Colleen and Duane Bonack, Gale and Martha Crow, Barb Hansen, Nicky Heiland, Ann Mason, Kristin Rolls, Hunter St. Louis, Shannon Votis, Debbie and Pastor Ken Ranos, John Effa, Kyle Ranos, Corwin Schroeder, Norm Frauenfelder, Jack Kalies, Jessica Healy, Donna Weiss, Missy Wick, Kyle Smith Our home-bound including: Bob Williams Our armed forces including: David Bredesen, Ashley Ebann, Tyler Kaltenberg, Nick, Brandy, and Nathan Lamal, Jamie Madl, Jared Malda, Jon Priem, Brandon Paulick, Charlie Starke and Nicole Young ALL THOSE WHO ARE ANXIOUS AND WORRIED ABOUT MANY THINGS Our Church Ministries.. Congregational Care Congregation Council Board of Worship Life Board of Outreach Stewardship Committee Board of Trustees Our partners in the gospel of Jesus Christ including: St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church Union Congregational Church Congregations across our synod including: Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Mass City, MI Porterfield Lutheran Church, Porterfield, WI St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Marquette, MI Trinity Lutheran Church, Trout Creek, MI Zion Lutheran Church, Marinette, WI BAPTISMS WE REMEMBER THIS MONTH We thank God for the beauty of the summer! We thank God for the beauty of life, and the gift of eternal life given to us through our savior. We thank God for our baptisms, and we pray for those who have baptismal anniversaries we celebrate this month. 1 st Phyllis Frish & Karla Anderson 4 th Denise Goldsworthy 16 th Troy Schroeder 17 th Briley Dodge 27 th Taylor Madl Other members and friends of Faith this month:

13 STEWARDSHIP CALENDARS Assisting Minister Lay Reader AUGUST 08/06/17 08/13/17 08/20/17 08/27/17 Steve Yahr Pat Radtke Acolyte Lily Mederios Harris Altar Guild Hospitality Team Harris Lederhaus Chuck Radtke Harris Jenna Erikson Lederhaus Marge & Perry Anderson Steve Yahr Betty Roth Kailyn Fogerty Missy Wick Sonia Dionne Logan Erikson?????? Volk Family Chuck & Pat Radtke Music Rhonda Buss Erich Zorr Erich Zorr Rhonda Buss Fellowship Council Education Assisting Minister Lay Reader Acolyte Altar Guild Hospitality Team SEPTEMBER 9/3/17 9/10/17 9/17/17 9/24/17 Tom Bredesen Miriam Bredesen Traeton Fogerty Lederhaus Joanne & Paul Matthiae Chuck Radke Pat Radtke Willow Schroeder Sue Sorg Wick Family Missy Wick Marge Anderson Kaylee Graves Lederhaus Lederhaus Steve Yahr Harris Kallie Volk Sue Sorg Sue Harris / Lily / Music Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Fellowship Radtke Roth Wick Council If you cannot serve on your assigned day, please find a replacement, then notify the church office.

14 AUGUST 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Walk For Water 6 9:00 am Holy Communion Fellowship: Radtke 7 8 3:30 pm Council Meeting 9 12:30 pm Quilters 6:30 pm Men's Bible 10 7:00 pm Women's Bible :00 am Holy Communion Fellowship: Roth :30 pm Quilters 6:30 pm Men's Bible 17 7:00 pm Women's Bible :00 am Holy Communion Worship In the Park Fellowship: Wick Newsletter Articles Due! :30 pm Quilters 6:30 pm Men's Bible 24 7:00 pm Women's Bible :00 am Holy Communion Fellowship: Trustees :30 pm Quilters 6:30 pm Men's Bible 31 7:00 pm Women's Bible TRUSTEE OF THE MONTH: PERRY ANDERSON (715)

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